Sunday, November 15, 2009

Lupe Fiasco Aligns With Hollywood Stars For Social Change Documentary

Rapper Lupe Fiasco feels like he was rebelling by taking part in the documentary "The People Speak," which shines a light on people who spoke for social change throughout U.S. history.

In the film, Fiasco and other celebrities -- including Josh Brolin, Don Cheadle and Marisa Tomei -- read speeches and documents from voices of protest movements, including Muhammad Ali and Susan B. Anthony, among others.

"You feel like you're doing something that you're not supposed to be doing," Fiasco said Wednesday while promoting the film -- which airs Dec. 13 on the History Channel -- at Northwestern University's Donald P. Jacobs Center. "Because it didn't come from a traditional textbook, you feel like you're doing something secretive.

"That adds to the cool factor. To get that history, and get it delivered like 'Oh my God, that was Viggo Mortensen' -- it inspires you."

Actor Michael Ealy ("Barbershop"), who also attended the event at Northwestern, feels the film will connect with younger viewers.

"There's a kid out there that likes Lupe's music but doesn't know anything about the '60s," said Ealy, who reads a document by Malcolm X in the film. "He'll watch Lupe in this project and perhaps educate himself on what Lupe is talking about. That's one of the greatest things about this project."(source)